Leeann and I are third cousins
similar in personalities, happy to know each other
she is nine, I am seventy-two; both of us is divisible by nine.
Her grandma asked if Leeann could text me.
A nine-year-old with a cellphone?
Why?
I thought it was strange, but said yes.
Leeann sent the first text “hi”.
I texted “hi” back.
Then she texted “I like your paintings.”
I love painting; I have thirteen hundred of them.
I started to think about this little girl.
Her parents are both computer wizards.
They spend all of their time with electronics.
Leeann has no siblings or cousins or close neighbors.
I texted a challenge to Leeann – how large was the largest catfish recorded?
I said “there will be bonus points for a photo.”
She whipped back the info and the picture in two minutes.
I told her it was her turn to ask me a question
We have been winging questions back and forth for several days.
One night I figured it might be close to her bedtime.
I said “what time is your bedtime?”
“Ten o’clock” – two only children raising another only child.
I was horrified.
I told her my bedtime was nine-thirty when I was in twelfth grade.
She texted back "that horrifies me!"
to get a high school diploma you must be able to read at a twelfth grade level
this was in 1952
In 1972 we were told “an eleventh grade level is good enough”.
Today reading at a ninth grade level means that you graduate.
I heard that at a seminar this morning.
Mortimer found school to be a great big bore
Finished twelfth grade, couldn't take any more
Didn't want 'nine-to-five'
How would he ever thrive
Mort's smart ~ Opened up a cannabis store
First grade, pelted with eggs
Second grade, broke both legs
Third grade, fell down the stairs
Fourth grade, clawed by a bear
Fifth grade, ran into a tree
Sixth grade, twisted a knee
Seventh grade, concussed my head
Eighth grade, fell out of bed
Ninth grade, had meningitis
Tenth grade, appendicitis
Eleventh grade, torn hamstring
Twelfth grade, acute bee sting...
So, to allay any fears from admission committees
I wrote the following college application ditty:
You may consider me somewhat injury-prone
But I have yet to break my first wishbone
And I give you my whole-hearted assurance
That I will use my parents' health insurance
I had nowhere to turn, had nowhere to go,
this is just something ,I think you need to know!
I don't know what made me trust you,
I still remember the day, when I told what I had been through!
I thought, I should jump off, or go hide in a hole,
but then I followed whatever you told!
As each day grew longer, my trust became stronger!
Each time I wanted to cry, you stayed there right by my side!
Then I moved to the twelfth grade,
I was really afraid, that my trust would slowly fade,
But I was very wrong, the bond is still strong!
Even Though you don't have time, you at least ask me if I am fine!
You are just seen for a while,with your contagious smile!
And then you walk away and you are out of sight,
I smile and then things are alright!
I am so glad,that you were there when I was sad!
You are the one on whom I can always depend,
And this is what makes you...MY BEST FRIEND